Symptoms of low nitric oxide include depression, fatigue and poor vision. Find out what causes NO deficiency and what to do to increase your nitric oxide levels.
Our bodies naturally produce the signaling compound nitric oxide (NO). But as we age, nitric oxide production declines and may need some replenishment.
When we experience a deficiency in nitric oxide, it affects our overall physical and mental health. Symptoms can include high blood pressure, vision changes, depression and memory loss.
Quick FAQ
Symptoms of low nitric oxide include depression, fatigue, memory loss and erectile dysfunction.
Some common causes of nitric oxide deficiency include aging, a sedentary lifestyle, and taking certain medications such as antibiotics.
A nitric oxide deficiency can be treated through regular exercise, stress management, or taking a nitric oxide supplement.
Let’s look at all the causes of nitric oxide deficiency and natural ways to refill your NO tank.
Functions of nitric oxide
Nitric oxide is a gas synthesized from L-arginine by enzymes known as nitric oxide synthases (NOS). The NOS family includes endothelial (eNOS), neuronal (nNOS) and inducible (iNOS), all of which play different roles in our body.
- Vasodilator: NO relaxes the smooth muscles in the blood vessels, which helps the vessels widen to increase blood flow and lower blood pressure.
- Regulates blood pressure: Because nitric oxide promotes vasodilation, regulates blood pressure and maintains healthy circulation.
- It enhances the immune response: NO has antimicrobial and antiviral properties that fight pathogens and prevent us from getting sick.
- Neurotransmission: Nitric oxide helps our brain cells communicate better with each other.
- Cell growth and differentiation: Cells require NO for growth, differentiation and cell death (apoptosis).
Causes of Nitric Oxide Deficiency
Doctors can’t always determine what causes low nitric oxide in the body.
But, research shows that aging is the most common factor in reducing nitric oxide levels.
As we age, our bodies have a reduced ability to produce NO through the L-arginine pathway, or a lack of L-arginine.
When nitric oxide production is reduced, it can contribute to cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders.
But a fall to NO can happen no matter how old you are. Many times, the reduction is attributed to a low nitrate diet.
A sedentary lifestyle can increase the chances of developing nitric oxide deficiency. Research shows that introducing exercise can increase the body’s production of nitric oxide.
In rare cases, a drop in NO can be due to mitochondrial disease, which are genetic conditions that affect the way the body converts food and oxygen into energy.
Some medicines can lower nitric oxide levels, such as:
Bad health habits, such as smoking cigarettesit can reduce the amount of NO our body creates.
Many don’t know it changes in the oral microbiome it can also affect nitric oxide levels.
Additionally, using mouthwash that kills bacteria and brushing your tongue excessively can destroy the beneficial bacteria needed for the NO synthesis process.
Symptoms of low nitric oxide
- Erectile dysfunction (ED): Nitric oxide is essential to get and keep an erection. It relaxes the smooth muscle of the penis to allow it to fill with blood so you can get and keep an erection.
- Depression and chronic stress: Nitric oxide plays an important role in regulating the body’s neurotransmitter systems and when deficient, it can affect mood and lead to depression and other psychological disorders.
- Fatigue: Low NO levels can lead to reduced blood flow and oxygen flow. It can also reduce endurance and affect athletic ability.
- Memory loss: Low levels of nitric oxide can cause reduced brain functionleading to poor memory, concentration and cognitive impairment.
- High blood pressure: Studies show a correlation between high blood pressure and a lack of nitric oxide. As a vasodilator, you can lower blood pressure and increase blood flow by supplementing nitric oxide levels.
- Poor vision: Low levels of NO can contribute to eye-related diseasesincluding uveitis, retinitis or degenerative diseases.
- Weakened immune system: Nitric oxide is required for a properly functioning immune system. Low levels make you more susceptible to disease.
- Atherosclerosis: Plaque can build up on the inner walls of blood vessels, which reduces blood flow. Our bodies require nitric oxide to prevent vascular calcification.
- Slower wound healing: NO promotes blood flow and immune response. Low nitric oxide can increase the chances of more frequent illnesses and longer recovery time.
If you notice signs of low nitric oxide, contact a doctor to discuss possible treatment and supplementation.
Health problems caused by nitric oxide deficiency
- Heart disease: When the body can’t produce enough nitric oxide, it can cause blood vessels to constrict, plaque build-up, and chronic bloating.
- Diabetes: Someone with NO deficiency is at risk for type 2 diabetes because it can impair insulin sensitivity. Low nitric oxide can also worsen complications due to diabetes.
- Neurological disorders: NO supplementation may help slow the progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- Osteoporosis: The effectiveness of nitric oxide can increase the chances of fractures and osteoporosis.
If you suspect that you are experiencing nitric oxide deficiency, contact a doctor as soon as possible. The sooner you catch it, the better you can deal with low NO levels.
Chronic nitric oxide deficiency
- Kidney Disease: Research shows that pretreatment of low levels of nitric oxide can prevent kidney failure.
- Stroke: Studies show that there is a correlation between nitric oxide levels and strokes.
- Nerve pain: Neuropathy is associated with low levels of NO and plays an important role in nerve function and disease.
How to treat a lack of nitric oxide
While we can’t do much about aging, we can take steps to prevent nitric oxide deficiency.
- Nitrate-rich diet: Spinach, citrus fruits, and garlic are three good choices to start with diet rich in nitrates and increase NO levels.
- Regular exercise: Jogging, swimming and cycling can help stimulation nitric oxide production and support of overall well-being.
- Manage stress: Meditation, yoga and therapy can help improve nitric oxide levels.
- Maintain a healthy weight: With a balanced diet and regular exercise, you can achieve a healthy weight, which helps regulate NO production.
- Supplements: Supplements containing L-arginine the L-citrulline, such as Vitaflux, can help increase nitric oxide production. It may be helpful for people struggling with NO deficiency or unable to eat enough nitrate-rich foods.
- Stop smoking cigarettes: Smoking has the potential to damage blood vessels and impair NO production.
Health benefits of nitric oxide
- Lowers blood pressure: Improvement of nitric oxide production it can improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure.
- Improved sexual health: Increasing NO levels increases blood flow, desire and arousal in men and women. Nitric oxide supplement can treatment of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation and increased lubrication in women.
- Cardiovascular health: Research shows that better NO levels improve blood flow and dilate blood vessels.
- Improved exercise capacity: Some athletes supplement NO because of it physical performance benefitsincluding strength and endurance.
- Wound Healing Properties: Studies show that nitric oxide helps the body’s inflammatory response, cell proliferation and collagen formation and is an anti-microbial.
- Enhances reproduction: For women, nitric oxide levels play a role in ovulation, fertilization and implantation. Some women supplement with NO during pregnancy and to regulate labor. Nitric oxide improves sperm maturation in men.
Other benefits of improving nitric oxide levels include:
- Increased energy
- Less muscle pain
- Improved cognitive function
- Healthier pregnancy
- Improved respiratory response
Packed food
As we age, NO levels begin to decline. Poor diet, lack of exercise, certain genetic disorders, medication and smoking can also cause NO deficiency.
Low NO levels come with warning signs that include sexual dysfunction, depression, stress, fatigue, memory loss and poor vision.
A lack of nitric oxide can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, neurological problems and osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor if you notice symptoms of low NO.
You can increase nitric oxide with lifestyle changes, such as eating foods rich in nitrates, incorporating exercise into your daily routine, managing stress levels, and quitting smoking.
Over-the-counter supplements, such as VitaFLUX Nitric Oxide Booster, are available that contain L-arginine or L-citrulline, which can address nitric oxide deficiency.
Supplementing with NO has all kinds of benefits, including lower blood pressure, better sexual health and stamina, and more.
Talk to your doctor about treating low nitric oxide if you notice symptoms of low nitric oxide.
